The Gilded Age Season 4: Two Rivalries That Could Shake Bertha From Her Throne

As TV audiences eagerly anticipate The Gilded Age season 4, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Bertha Russell, the no-nonsense social climber trying to cement her legacy in New York’s elite circles. Known for its breathtaking portrayal of the late 19th century’s opulence and ambition, this HBO Max drama thrives on its power struggles, political maneuvering, and interpersonal drama.

According to recent reports from TechRadar, two emerging rivalries in the new season threaten to destabilize Bertha’s position in ways we’ve never seen before. These power dynamics have the potential to not only disrupt her social dominance but also bring fresh, deeply engaging energy to the show. This is exciting news for loyal followers of the series and new fans alike. Let’s break it all down and explore how these potential rivalries could unfold and why they may put Bertha in serious trouble.

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The Context: Bertha’s Rise to Power

Bertha Russell, played masterfully by Carrie Coon, has been the quintessential representation of sheer ambition in The Gilded Age. Over the past three seasons, viewers have watched her methodically navigate New York society with grit, cunning, and charm, trying to outsmart the old-money elite who disdain her for being “new money.”

She has made allies, eliminated foes, and capitalized on opportunities to climb the social ladder. From hosting grand balls and forging strategic alliances, Bertha’s journey has been nothing short of riveting. However, all this has come at a cost: her rise has created enemies, both obvious and hidden.

In season 4, Bertha’s carefully constructed empire appears vulnerable, as two new rivalries emerge to challenge her dominance. If these rivalries are as transformative as suggested, the balance of power in The Gilded Age could tip dramatically, placing Bertha in an unfamiliar—and dangerous—position.

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The First Rivalry: Old Money Strikes Back

The tension between ‘old money’ and ‘new money’ has always been one of the show’s central themes. Old-money elites like Agnes van Rhijn have consistently looked down on Bertha, whose wealth stems from her husband George’s railroad enterprise. But in season 4, we may see old money regroup in a far more coordinated effort to protect their social stronghold.

Here’s what this rivalry could look like:

• Uniting Against a Common Enemy: Society’s grande dames, led by Agnes and her acquaintances, may set aside their personal differences and form an alliance specifically to counter Bertha’s growing influence. In doing so, they could ostracize her from critical social circles, blocking her invitations and undermining her position.

• Economic Warfare: Beyond societal snubs, Bertha’s rivals could shift their strategy to attack her financial foundations. Targeting George Russell’s business empire through political and legal means would be a bold move to complicate the Russells’ dominance.

• Weakening Bertha’s base of power would serve old money well, reasserting their traditions and preventing further encroachment from others who may aspire to follow her lead. The question is, how will Bertha respond to this escalation?

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The Second Rivalry: Betrayal Within Bertha’s Ranks

While external threats from old money are predictable, season 4 teases something potentially more devastating—a rift within Bertha’s inner circle. Could someone close to her turn into a formidable adversary?

Here are possible scenarios of internal betrayal:

• Family Fractures

– Bertha’s family, while her primary source of support, also has its own ambitions and interests. Her daughter Gladys may grow tired of being a pawn in her mother’s plans and take steps to chart her own path. A rebellion from Gladys, especially if aligned with one of Bertha’s rivals, could be a game-changer. – Likewise, friction could arise between Bertha and George if he sees her ambitions as threatening their business or personal lives.

• Power Plays by Close Allies

– Close confidants or allies within Bertha’s social network may switch allegiances or outright challenge her leadership. Those who once benefited from her influence may decide it’s time for a power grab of their own. – A trusted friend or protégé exploiting Bertha’s vulnerabilities would not only hurt personally but could erode her influence politically.

This second rivalry could be far more destabilizing than anything external, as it blurs the lines between personal loyalty and ambition. The fallout could leave Bertha isolated and struggling to maintain relevance.

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Why These New Rivalries Matter

So, what makes these rivalries so impactful for both storytelling and audience engagement? The answer lies in how they challenge Bertha as a character at her core. Her rise up until now has been marked by resilience, quick thinking, and ruthless determination. But season 4 is poised to test her in unprecedented ways.

• Highlighting Vulnerability: Bertha has always been portrayed as an unstoppable force, but rivalries on multiple fronts could expose cracks in her armor. Seeing her vulnerable—emotionally or strategically—would add depth to her character arc.

• Richer Storylines: The Gilded Age thrives on its intricate plotlines. These new rivalries offer fresh opportunities to weave complex stories that explore the fragile, high-stakes dynamics of power and loyalty.

• Broader Ensemble Development: The introduction or elevation of additional characters through these rivalries could diversify the series’ focus while still staying anchored to its central theme of societal power struggles.

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What Bertha Needs To Do To Survive

If there’s one thing fans know about Bertha, it’s that she rarely goes down without a fight. However, to maintain her position, she’ll need to evolve and outmaneuver these new threats.

Here’s how Bertha might stay ahead:

• Strengthening Her Power Base

– Bertha should double down on solidifying her alliances. Whether that involves drawing in neutral players or enticing a few old-money elites to her side, she needs to expand her influence. This is a classic divide and conquer strategy.

• Strategic Retreat

– Sometimes, stepping back from immediate confrontation could be a wise move. Bertha might choose to lie low in some societal arenas while rebuilding her strength for a larger, more calculated strike.

• Shrewd Manipulation

– Whether manipulating Gladys’s emotions or commissioning political favors to counter financial threats, Bertha could leverage her resourcefulness and cunning to keep her enemies off balance.

If Bertha plays her cards right, even the strongest rivalries could be turned into opportunities.

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Conclusion: The Gilded Age’s Promise of Drama

As The Gilded Age heads into its fourth season, fans have every reason to be excited about the drama that’s about to unfold. Two new rivalries—one external and one internal—are set to redefine the show’s power dynamics, pushing Bertha Russell into uncharted territory.

To recap:

• Old money is striking back, likely through tighter alliances and economic meddling, in an effort to restore their supremacy.

• A potential internal betrayal from family or close allies may destabilize Bertha even further, forcing her to confront emotional wounds as well as strategic ones.

For viewers, this promises a season rich in tension, character development, and twists. For Bertha, however, it spells trouble—but then again, that’s when she’s at her most dangerous.

Whether these rivalries break her or make her stronger, one thing is certain: The Gilded Age is gearing up to deliver the dramatic spectacle its viewers have come to expect. Stay tuned—season 4 might just be the series’ most electrifying yet!